Report from Taiji: November 28

What evil concoctions are the marine animal trainers (molesters) feeding the dolphins?

It was a day off in Taiji today. The molesters kept their boats in port, except for one who went fishing. Others were trying to repair an outboard motor. I guess the prize was somewhere inside the bucket or the hat. Or is that grown men hiding from a camera?

Thomas decided to visit the molester trainers at Dolphin Base / Dolphin Resort hotel. He found one lacing dead fish with something and another mixing a drink. How can anyone think capturing wild dolphins and keeping them in pens or tanks is OK? How can anyone think it is OK to spend money on such places?

Thank you to the citizens of Japan who are weighing these issues and beginning to take a stand to solve them. Thank you to everyone who is on the front lines of this war. This is a war to save us from ourselves. Without your calling and writing Japanese embassies and your own governments, there will be no change. Keep it up! Every time dolphins are pushed into the Cove, let them have it. Every time there is blood in the water, let them have it. Make good consumer choices. Inform everyone you know about the tragedy here and how it is linked to the captive dolphin trade. All who patronize a dolphin show have blood on their hands.

The annual IMATA conference begins in Boston on December 3. The captive dolphin industry is the economic engine driving the slaughter and torment in Taiji. Remember that friends do not let friends patronize dolphin shows.

Martyn and Kim from the United States joined us today. Welcome!

Here is your opportunity to become a Cove Guardian. To join us (voluntarily, and completely at your own cost and risk) in Taiji, write to us at coveguardian@seashepherd.org. We will get back to you, but please be patient. We cannot keep an eye on the Cove and answer email at the same time. Contributions to Sea Shepherd to keep our official presence here are needed and welcome. These donations cover costs for transportation, telephone, equipment, supplies, food, and lodging for the official Sea Shepherd representative. We will remain here through the end of March and will return for the next season in September 2011.